HENRY IV, Part 2

“Besides those who return from Part 1, standout performances in this segment include George MaGuire (Shallow) and Ian Swift (Silence) as a pair of country court officials, Jack Halton (Bardolph, Falstaff’s loyal acolyte), and David A. Moss (Pistol and Bullcalf)….MSC’s production is noteworthy for the actor’s unusually clear vocal projection, which undoubtedly reflects Clare’s British background, as well as the acoustic enhancement afforded by Bruce Lackovic’s excellent set.

Charles Brousse, Marin Independent Journal

“One of the many pleasures of watching both these plays is to see how ably actors change in very different roles. In Part I, David A. Moss plays Douglas, a Scottish lord with a fierce gleam. In Part II, he plays Pistol, an out-of-control ensign to Falstaff who benignly threatens other Eastcheap denizens. Moss’ range is proven between the roles, one serious, the other comic….The actors with the same roles in both plays are equally talented, Goodman adept at showing his character’s journey from partying prince to mature and just king. Monroe, as King Henry, has gravitas and can perform difficult scenes with grace.

Paplow has a lot of fun with her Mistress Quickly, as does Thompson as a nearly perpetually intoxicated Doll Tearsheet….It’s not often that Shakespeare’s History plays are staged in Marin, and while it might be true to some that a day of ‘Henry’ sounds intimidating, in fact it’s largely entertaining and a genuine accomplishment for Marin Shakespeare Company. If MSC can assemble as talented a crew and cast as this year, perhaps next season it can treat audiences to the bookend plays, because current audiences will learn that Roman numerals do not always add up to dull theatre.”

Olga Azar, Marin Scope

“The Marin Shakespeare Company is closing its 07 season with a rare production of both Parts 1 & 2 in repertory. It’s an ambitious project and a demanding one…in short, these Henrys have every opportunity to fall flat, and they don’t. Instead Henry IV, Part I and Henry IV, Part II are fully satisfying, bring-your-friends-along good theatre.”